PM Shehbaz expresses solidarity with Iraq after fire kills 69 in al-Kut city

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in a fire incident in al-Kut city of Iraq.

According to Reuters, the massive fire erupted in a hypermarket in al-Kut city, leaving at least 69 people dead and 11 others missing.

In a post on his official X account, the prime minister said the tragic fire has saddened him. “My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy.”

Deeply saddened by the tragic fire in al-Kut, Iraq, that has caused tragic loss of lives of innocent people. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. May the injured recover swiftly. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Iraq…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 17, 2025

He also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.

“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Iraq in this hour of grief,” the PM said.

Rescue operation underway

Reuters’ footage of the aftermath of the overnight fire showed the blackened exterior of “Corniche Hypermarket” building, with rescue teams and security forces still at the site.

FO, US embassy deny knowledge of Trump’s Pakistan visit

Videos verified by Reuters showed firefighters spraying water on the blazing building overnight and people climbing from the roof with the help of rescue teams.

“We have more bodies that have not been recovered still under fire debris,” city official Ali al-Mayahi told Reuters.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known, but an initial police report suggested that the fire had first erupted on the floor where perfumes and cosmetics are sold.

At least 60 people have been killed and many more are missing after a huge fire engulfed a hypermarket in Iraq’s eastern city of Kut. pic.twitter.com/0TKBH57AQ7

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 17, 2025

“Raging fires trapped many people inside the mall, and everyone was desperately trying to find a way out,” said Ali Al-Zargani, whose house is next to the market building and who entered the premises after the fire had subsided.

“I saw the charred bodies of children and women lying on the ground — it was a horrifying scene.”

While some of the bodies were prepared for burial, with mourners weeping and praying over the coffins, the remains of more than 15 severely burned victims required DNA testing for identification, a Reuters witness said.

National mourning in Iraq

As rescuers combed the smoke-charred building for more bodies, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an immediate investigation to “uncover any shortcomings”, his office said in a statement.

A statement from his office called for national mourning.

The provincial governor said initial results from an investigation would be announced within 48 hours, the INA state news agency reported.

“We have filed lawsuits against the owner of the building and the mall,” INA quoted the governor as saying.

A lack of safety measures in Iraq has led to large death tolls in fires. In 2023, more than 100 people were killed after a fire swept through a crowded wedding hall in a northern town.